1985
4
$333,300
Inquire
$1,023,500
No
Step into the world of elite beauty and unparalleled luxury by franchising with Cristophe Salon. For over three decades, the name "Cristophe" has been synonymous with world-class hairstyling, sophisticated elegance, and an exclusive celebrity and political clientele, making it an instantly recognizable and highly prestigious brand in the global beauty industry.
Originating from Beverly Hills, California, Cristophe Salons are more than just hair destinations—they are high-end beauty institutions that deliver a five-star customer experience and cutting-edge style expertise. Our distinct market positioning is at the ultra-luxury end of the full-service hair salon sector, catering to an affluent demographic that prioritizes quality, service, and a luxurious environment. As an investor, you gain access to a proven, recession-resistant business model that thrives on brand heritage, media visibility, and established operational excellence. Leverage the legacy of our founder, Cristophe Schatteman, and his reputation for personalized, trend-setting artistry to dominate the premium hair care market in your chosen exclusive territory.
Investing in a Cristophe Salon franchise is an opportunity to own a piece of a globally respected, luxury brand with significant competitive advantages in the USA market:
Iconic Brand Recognition: The Cristophe name carries significant weight and media recognition, thanks to its celebrity and political clientele (including former Presidents and A-list actors). This instant brand credibility dramatically reduces the initial marketing hurdle for a new location.
High-End Market Positioning: You target an affluent and loyal clientele who are less price-sensitive and seek premium services, ensuring high average ticket prices and robust revenue potential.
Proven Operational System: Benefit from over 35 years of refining the high-end salon experience, covering everything from elite talent recruitment and five-star customer service protocols to efficient back-of-house operations.
Comprehensive Support and Training: Receive in-depth guidance on finding and designing an appropriate high-end location, hiring and training top talent, and leveraging national and local PR and digital marketing strategies.
Exclusive Design & Partnerships: Access to proprietary salon furniture design (in partnership with companies like Takara Belmont) ensures a modern, elegant, and high-efficiency salon aesthetic that aligns with the brand’s luxury standard.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Revenue generation extends beyond cutting and coloring to include high-margin retail sales of proprietary and co-branded hair care product lines (such as Cristophe Professional), specialty services like extensions and deep conditioning, and make-up/skincare services in some locations.
Founder: Cristophe Schatteman, the Belgian-American celebrity hairstylist.
Established Year: The first flagship Cristophe Salon opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985 (celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016).
Brand Journey: Cristophe's reputation quickly grew, solidifying its place as the 'go-to' salon for Hollywood stars, world leaders, and fashion icons. The brand gained international notoriety during the "Hairgate" incident in 1993, which further cemented Cristophe's prominence. The brand has since expanded its physical locations and launched proprietary, color-coded hair care product lines.
Company History & Ownership: The brand is controlled by Cristophe Licensing, LLC. The history is rooted in providing personalized, technique-driven hairstyling, evolving from a single, successful Beverly Hills location to a multi-location brand with a comprehensive retail presence.
Industry Category: Beauty Salon Franchise, specializing in the Luxury, Full-Service Hair Care sub-sector.
Market Presence in USA & Global: Current salon locations are strategically placed in affluent, high-end markets globally, including Beverly Hills (CA), Newport Beach (CA), Las Vegas (NV), Washington D.C., and the Caribbean Island of St. Barth’s. The franchising model is specifically designed for expansion into similar high-net-worth metropolitan and fashionable areas across the USA.
Total Units: Approximately 4 current operating units (as of recent disclosures) with a clear focus on selective, high-value franchise growth.
Cristophe Licensing, LLC provides an extensive, multi-faceted support system to ensure every franchise maintains the brand’s integrity and operational excellence:
Pre-Launch Support:
Location Scouting: Assistance with commercial real estate broker relationships to identify and secure locations in affluent, high-traffic retail or mixed-use areas that align with the brand’s demographic.
Lease Negotiation: Guidance to ensure the most favorable lease structure for the franchisee.
Design & Architecture: Proprietary interior design and architectural services, leveraging partnerships with preferred vendors (like Takara Belmont for bespoke furniture) to ensure the required modern, elegant aesthetic (dark wood floors, white furniture, stainless steel accents).
Operational & Academic Training:
Operations Manuals: Provision of comprehensive, proprietary Salon Operations Manuals, HR manuals, and chain-of-command documentation.
Staff Training: Mandatory, specialized training for 1-2 key stylists at the Beverly Hills flagship location. This is followed by a full staff training one week prior to opening, conducted by one of our Master Stylists at the franchisee’s new salon location. This ensures technical and customer service standards are flawlessly executed.
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
Full Marketing Consulting: Support covering Social Media management, Public Relations (PR), Direct Mail, and professional Promotional Materials
Brand Exposure: As part of the Grand Opening PR campaign, Cristophe Schatteman personally commits one complete day to the new salon to maximize media exposure and staff motivation—a priceless asset.
National Campaigns: Franchisees contribute a monthly marketing fee towards national campaigns and digital advertising efforts managed by Head Office to expand the brand’s reach.
Ongoing Guidance: Continuous operational consultation, supply chain management, and preferred vendor pricing for products and equipment.
The ideal Cristophe Salon franchisee is a highly motivated entrepreneur seeking to leverage a premium brand in the luxury service sector.
Entrepreneurial Spirit & Background: Candidates must possess a strong business acumen, ideally with prior experience in retail, luxury goods, service management, or high-end hospitality. Direct salon ownership experience is a plus but not mandatory, as world-class operations training is provided.
Personal Qualities: High personal standards for excellence, honesty, and integrity are non-negotiable. The candidate must possess strong time management, employee relations, marketing, and customer service abilities to manage a demanding, high-end operation.
Passion & Vision: A genuine passion for the beauty industry, a dedication to delivering the ultimate luxury client experience, and a vision for becoming the premier salon in their market.
Investment Capability: Must be financially capable of meeting the substantial initial investment and working capital requirements associated with opening a high-end, luxury facility.
Location Preference: Must target and commit to locating the salon in affluent, high-end, and fashionable areas (e.g., upscale shopping districts, luxury mixed-use developments, or high-net-worth neighborhoods) to attract the correct demographic.
Industry Category: Luxury, Full-Service Hair Salon Franchise.
Franchise Fee: Varies; determined based on territory exclusivity.
Minimum Investment Required (Estimated): $333,300
Total Investment Required (Estimated Range): $333,300 – $1,023,500 (This range includes the Franchise Fee, infrastructure, build-out, initial inventory, and working capital.)
Infrastructure Cost (Build-out): As a luxury build-out in prime real estate, this will represent a significant portion of the total investment, covering high-quality fixtures, custom furniture, and specialized lighting.
Marketing Budget (Local Pre-Launch): A dedicated local budget is required in addition to the national marketing fee to leverage the Grand Opening PR event.
Royalty Fees: Varies; typically a percentage of gross revenue.
Expected ROI & Break-Even Time: Due to the high average ticket price and affluent, loyal clientele, the potential for a strong Return on Investment (ROI) is significant, though dependent on location, execution, and expense control. Detailed financial performance representations (FPRs) are provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Potential Revenue Streams:
Core Services: Hair Cutting and Styling (including Cristophe’s signature personalized cuts).
Specialty Color Services: High-margin color, highlights, and specialized treatments.
Ancillary Beauty Services: Make-up, brow/lash, and skincare services (location dependent).
High-Margin Retail: Sales of Cristophe Professional products and other co-branded lines.
Luxury Treatments: Deep conditioning, hair extensions, and texturizing services.
